It’s August 1st…which means we’re completing the “accepting cards” phase of our work! Thank you so much for finishing SO strong – you all totally went above and beyond what was expected to come in! Upwards of 70 packages wasn’t unusual for the mail carrier’s dropoff.

The sorting area was so full, a secondary “waiting room” was started to receive transitional packages while the boxes were packed in the other room. Quite the production – this is far more than our busiest holiday seasons have ever been!

Many many many trips were made a few towns over to take all the recycling in. The garage is stacked high with many more boxes and piles of cardboard that will slowly make its way to recycling; and tons of plastic bags of all the excess plastic packaging (bags, bubble wrap, etc) will take turns leaping into the trash bin on garbage pickup day. That process might take a while, there’s a ton here!

Most days in these last few weeks started with bringing in the mail, opening and sorting it, and performing quick triage – setting more difficult boxes aside to wait for more time. Then packing began, since the shelves filled up every day! This photo shows the packing of 36 boxes at once, which are then all moved to the garage to await their turn to go overseas.

What’s next?

Our list is getting smaller, but we’ll continue shipping boxes throughout 2015, at the normal pace that our heroes need. Though the contact list will continue to shrink, we do have a few who will continue to receive boxes next year until we’re all out. However, OWH will be officially completing all our work by the end of this year, so we can officially close the books and have no further transactions in 2016.

The website will need to go under the knife for some revamping; that can’t begin til the boxes and packing slips are completed, so expect things here to change around mid-month. The site will be taken down and a placeholder will be up instead of our homepage, and within a few weeks or less we hope to have a streamlined version back in gear. The most important resource folks are asking about is the sketch PDF….here’s the final updated PDF with all our sketches in one document:

Toward the end of the year – maybe in November to keep from interfering with the Christmas holidays – we’ll have a wrap-up celebration. So please do remain on our email list and Facebook page, as those will be our primary ways to get the word out!

Live broadcast today!

If you missed the news, we’ll have a little live webcast at 12:30pm Pacific time today (3:30pm Eastern) – please join us and chat along! The technology hasn’t been dusted off for live broadcasts in quite some time, so be patient if things don’t start instantly. We’ll post a direct link on Facebook once we’re sure it’s all working, but if a few folks could come to our YouTube page at start time, it would help to test and see if it’s all working!

Watch the announcement video from the other day….or click HERE to see it in HD on YouTube.

]]>6Kristiehttp://operationwritehome.org/?p=202062015-07-30T18:18:03Z2015-07-31T12:30:06ZThank you to all who helped Operation Write Home Finish Strong. We met our 50 card goal every month for the Our Daily Bread Designs card challenge. I knew we could always count on our OWHers. There are 2 final winners of the $15 ODBD stamp gift certificate.

#2 Jo Ann U.

#29 Penny Ward

Congratulations to the winners! The winners are chosen using Random.org. Please email me at eponinekc(at)msn(dot)com to claim your prize. Have fun shopping, ladies!

I want to say Thank You to our awesome sponsor, Our Daily Bread Designs. They have been such an amazing supporter of our service members and Operation Write Home for the past several years. Let’s leave ODBD some OWH love in the comments.

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9SybrinaKhttp://scrappingwithpurpose.blogspot.com/http://operationwritehome.org/?p=201912015-07-24T02:16:50Z2015-07-25T11:15:17ZHi, everyone! With mixed emotions, I’m here to share one last OWH Sketch. Like many of my fellow OWHers, I’m thrilled that so many of our heroes are home, but will really miss these weekly OWH hangouts.

Before getting to today’s sketch and sample card, I’d like to thank all of you who have continued to make cards for our troops and their loved ones. From the look of the photo that Sandy posted earlier this week, we OWHers have been a busy bunch indeed. And the cards linked up for our last sketch challenge were great.

Speaking of Sandy, she has three treats for us this week: a new sketch — perfect for CAS lovers, a fabulous sample card, and she found the time to make a video for her beloved OWH family!

Here’s her card…you knew it would be red white and blue, right?

You can watch her video below or click HERE to watch in HD on YouTube.

I, too, want to add a few words of thanks. My sincerest thanks to Sandy, the OWH Board of Directors, the OWH Blog Team, and my fellow card makers. It’s been an incredible experience to be a part of such a generous, uber-talented, passionate family of crafters. It’s been an honor and a pleasure.

And, don’t forget, Sandy’s just a click or two away. We’ll be able to continue following her artistic journey at sandyallnock.com and on her You Tube channel. Sandy, don’t think you’re going to get rid of us that easily!

For one last time, now it’s your turn! Remember that August 1 is the absolute deadline to get cards to Sandy. When I last checked the July Our Daily Bread Design challenge, we are still a few cards short of our 50-card goal. Appropriately enough, this month’s ODBD challenge is to make a thank you card.

]]>11Operation Write Homehttp://operationwritehome.orghttp://operationwritehome.org/?p=201612015-07-12T14:34:12Z2015-07-24T11:39:39ZHello friends! As we’re nearing the end of the month – we have a little more inspiration for you that comes from the awesomely talented Carolyn, a 19-year resident of New Hampshire! Be sure to leave her LOTS of love in the comments! -Sandy

How long have you been stamping/card making?

I started stamping and making cards in the spring of 2006. My sister, Joan, who at that time was a Stampin’ Up demonstrator, walked me through the steps to making a card. After that I was hooked and started on my own, buying both paper and stamps from her. Now I order from various sources.

Do you have a craft room or specific area where you stamp/craft?

Yes I do. I have taken over the fourth bedroom in my house which is now packed with all sorts of stamps, stamp pads, paper, markers, gadgets, and embellishments.

What are your favorite stamp/craft products?

I use Gina K. Designs, Stampin’ Up, and Stampscapes Stamps the most. My preference being any and all stamps that require coloring using Copics and adding ribbons and brads.

Do you have a favorite technique?

I have no favorite per se. My mood, the stamp, the type of card needed, and/ or the time of year usually dictate which technique I use which includes sponging, die cutting, embossing, or just plain coloring and adding embellishments.

Have any particular OWH sketches or tutorials served as inspiration for your cards?

I am sad to say no to this question. I have used mainly the card sketches from Split Coast Stampers, and the tutorials from Gina K. Designs, and Stampscapes.

Do you prefer digis or stamps?

I use stamps 95% of the time and digis for the rest.

Do you have a favorite theme?

I would have to say that I lean towards Nature, for example flowers, animals and scenes. Those types usually lend themselves to coloring with Copics which I love to do and find very relaxing.

Are there colors you love to include on your cards?

I use all colors on cards and love the brighter ones. On the ones included here I seem to use lots of green which plays into my Nature theme.

How did you hear about Operation Write Home?

I first heard about OWH from my sister, Joan. Her sister-in-law, Dee Nixon, was sending you 100’s of cards each month and I decided I would check out your organization and see if I could contribute also. I only have been part of this worthwhile campaign for a few years but it has been very rewarding.

What motivates you to make cards for our heroes?

Since I make duplicates of all my cards and can’t use them all, I figure that our troops could use the extras that I make. They sacrifice so much for our freedom that it seems only fitting they should have nice cards to send home to loved ones.

]]>22Operation Write Homehttp://operationwritehome.orghttp://operationwritehome.org/?p=201832015-07-20T19:30:16Z2015-07-20T21:06:06ZA little behind the scenes look at OWH – this morning I arose before 5am (since it was cooler for all the heavy labor) to finish clearing out packages from last week, and completed that by 10:30am:

Unfortunately within 5 minutes of carrying the last box of packed cards to the garage….the mail arrived.

BEFORE you get excited at the sight of these boxes….

Please recognize that this load will take an estimated 11 hours of processing. That’s why receipts are not being emailed out; it’s enough to keep up with opening, sorting, and packing to make room for the next day’s mail. Please don’t email asking if your cards arrived, I’ll get the courtesy receipts out once I can breathe again.

That’s been my day every day for the last couple weeks, in the summer heat – and will only be getting crazier as we near the final August 1 deadline. Yep, another reason for no receipts for a while, sorry!

No OWHtv can be done with this much work going on – keep an eye on YouTube in case I can sneak in any video time.

Each day, mail like this is generating enough cards for at least 2 weeks of future shipping; with 10 days left til the deadline, that’s going to be 20 or 30 more weeks’ worth to add to the stockpile. It’s crazy – you guys are wayyyy over-generous!

Though our goal was to send all cards by November 2015, we already have enough cards to last through summer of 2016….not even counting what is yet to be mailed in. See #4.

The garage is completely full. We may need to rent a storage unit, as there is not any space in my house for more boxes to wait around for that long! We never had this many cards waiting to be shipped, even in our heaviest shipping times years ago!

If you have another charity you would like to redirect your not-yet-sent box to, I’m sure they’d be blessed by your efforts to relabel the back of your cards and donate them. But we will continue to receive cards until August 1st since that was our published deadline; just know that your cards will not be used for a very very long time at this point, so you may wish to redirect them so they see some love much sooner!

]]>44Kristiehttp://operationwritehome.org/?p=201262015-07-11T23:36:53Z2015-07-18T12:00:40ZHello, everyone! Thank you to all who participated in last months Banner card challenge. What a great variety of cards for our heroes to use to write home. It’s so great to see so many dedicated card-makers that are helping Operation Write Home Finish Strong.

It is time for the final Mid-Month Throwdown challenge. The theme is to make Love cards with NO HEARTS on them. I know this may seem like an odd challenge to some of the newer OWHers out there. But for those who have been donating to the organization for several years now, may recall a previous East Coast shipper who wasn’t a fan of all the hearts that arrived in her mailbox. Our sample card-maker this month is that previous shipper, Dixie C. She blogs over at What’s Next? Make sure to leave her some love in the comments.

Here’s a little about Dixie, in her own words.

Hello everyone, Dixie here. I found Operation Write Home in 2009 when my nephew was on his first deployment in Iraq. I’d just retired from teaching middle schoolers, and I wanted to improve my card making skills and share the cards with others. OWH was a perfect fit. When I look back at some of the cards I made that first year, I cringe! Evidently, I packed my boxes really well though, because Sandy contacted me about being a shipper for the East Coast. I told her I’d do it for a year, but I gave it two years. OWH has been a learning experience for me on many levels.

]]>5Operation Write Homehttp://operationwritehome.orghttp://operationwritehome.org/?p=201532015-07-10T02:45:19Z2015-07-17T11:37:15ZHello everyone! I’d like you to meet Wendy – she’s from North Carolina, and makes lovely cards! I asked if she had a blog or shared her work online… “I have always been intimidated by the process and have never conquered that apprehension. I do keep photos on my own computer for reference and enjoyment.” Maybe your warm and loving comments will help her to be willing to start sharing more! Leave her some OWHstyle love. -Sandy

How long have you been stamping/card making?

I have been card making since 2005 or 2006. At that time I was scrapbooking and looking for a way to use my scraps. No, not those teeny, weeny scraps but the usable size. Each time I finished scrapbooking I cut my scraps from that session into regular shapes with nice clean edges and stored them in two boxes. One box was labeled solid card stock and the other was patterned paper. That sounds kind of compulsive but it always made my tiny work space feel neat and clean.

Do you have a craft room or specific area where you stamp/craft?

I do not have any craft room or dedicated space. I do all my work on my desk which is cleared off after each crafting session. Luckily I am very organized and neat; one of those people who puts their scissors back in their proper spot right away.

What are your favorite stamp/craft products?

Generally I do not have any preferred stamp or craft products but I must say, at this time, I am loving my MISTI stamp press. It allows easy and quick repeat stamping. I never could work the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig correctly and, although many people can stamp on top of their first images when using clear stamps, I can not do it!

Do you have a favorite technique?

I do not have a favorite technique. I tend to be a clean & simple card maker but I am trying to extend myself and am learning about watercoloring, heat embossing, and any other techniques I discover while trolling craft videos and websites.

Have any particular OWH sketches or tutorials served as inspiration for your cards?

I really like sketches. I often turn to the OWH sketches for inspiration but also look on Pinterest, YouTube and multiple websites like Simon Says Stamp for ideas.

Do you prefer digis or stamps?

I have never used a digital stamp. I prefer to work with pattern paper and card stock. Just this year I began experimenting with building scenes using stamps but I still fall back on using paper and card stock.

Do you have a favorite theme?

I do not have a favorite theme. I just try to stay within the OWH parameters.

Are there colors you love to include on your cards?

I really like the clean look of a white or cream card base and rarely divert from that. I was a young, impressionable teenager when I learned about “white space” and it has stuck with me all these years. I have always loved the pinks and greens but I really try not to discriminate. At the beginning of the year a friend gave me some very masculine paper (which I never purchase since I am not surrounded by males) so I have tried designing more masculine cards using the gifted paper.

How did you hear about Operation Write Home?

I was introduced to OWH through a card crafting club and thought is was a wonderful way to utilized scraps since, at that time, I was mainly a scrapbooker. I was looking for a way to give back and card making used my creative juices.

What motivates you to make cards for our heroes?

My card making motivation is love and support. Our troops do so much for us. They seem to be unsung heroes. My heart hurts when I think about all the physical, emotional, and psychological issues that arise from being overseas and in combat. I want the troops to feel love and support because it seems like a very thankless job. If, in some small way, I can bring joy and beauty into their lives then I want to do it. I was blessed to discover OWH and Soldiers’ Angels at about the same time and have since played a small part in both their missions to support our troops.

]]>17SybrinaKhttp://scrappingwithpurpose.blogspot.com/http://operationwritehome.org/?p=201362015-07-11T12:28:42Z2015-07-11T11:15:07ZHello and Happy Saturday! As always, a big thanks to everyone who used Sketch #257 as the inspiration for OWH cards. The linked up cards looked great and will be so appreciated by our troops and their loved ones.

Sandy has provided us with another wonderful sketch. Today’s sketch has lots of potential for interesting elements — with multiple background layers, a few banners, and one final embellishment for good measure.

Today’s sketch was inspired by this cheery card sent to us by super-talented Barb. Black, blue, yellow, and white is not a color combo that I typically see, but Barb has absolutely rocked this palette! And, her banners’ proportions are perfect! Barb’s simply having too much fun making cards to take time out to blog about her creations. So, please leave her some OWH love in the comments.

Can you believe that there is only one more sketch after this? But, for now, it’s your turn to share your interpretation of today’s sketch! Did you notice that Barb’s card is a thank you card? Our sketch would be perfect for this month’s Our Daily Bread Design challenge. Regardless of the theme you choose, we can’t wait to see your creations!

]]>2Operation Write Homehttp://operationwritehome.orghttp://operationwritehome.org/?p=201442015-07-10T02:36:25Z2015-07-10T11:29:16ZThis week meet Mary Frances; she’s originally from Mobile, Alabama, but she and her husband have lived all over the southeast…Atlanta, Nashville, Raleigh, Charlotte, Birmingham, and finally landed in Tampa, FL, where they’ve lived for the past twenty years. I love the reactions from crafters when I email to ask if they’ll be a featured card maker….Mary Frances just made me smile: “I’m thrilled to be asked to be a featured cardmaker! And, it means so much for you to say that I make such nice cards! I’ve watched so many of your videos to help me improve, and to make sure the cards are good to send to our troops and their families! I’m truly honored to be chosen!” So go meet Mary Frances and see if you agree with me – she makes lovely cards! She has a Pinterest board with her creations HERE. -Sandy

How long have you been stamping/card making?

I’ve been making cards for the past twelve years. I attended a Stampin Up workshop in 2003 and bought one stamp set and a black ink pad. The rest, as they say, is history! I soon became hooked!

Do you have a craft room or specific area where you stamp/craft?

My crafting area shares space with our guest room. Over the years, I have to say that the room has become much more of a craft room than a guest room. Several pieces of furniture have been added to accommodate my hobby!

What are your favorite stamp/craft products?

I have quite a collection of Stampin Up products as that is what I started out with. I use embossing folders and dies quite a bit, so my Vagabond is my go to tool/machine. I also like to use punches, there are so many cute shapes, and love the border punches to add interest. I recently received a MISTI and that is fast becoming one of my favorite tools!

Do you have a favorite technique?

I don’t really have a favorite, but I do love embossing folders and dies to add texture and dimension to my cards. I also love the look of heat embossing. I follow blogs, etc. to watch for new techniques or refine old ones!

Have any particular OWH sketches or tutorials served as inspiration for your cards?

I have really appreciated all of the OWH sketches and have printed them out. When I’m stumped for an idea, I pull them out and search for inspiration. You can follow the sketch exactly, or combine ideas from several sketches and design a beautiful card. I will miss new sketches when Operation Write Home ends its mission! You will probably see a sketch design or two in the cards shown here!

Do you prefer digis or stamps?

I have used a few digis, but I prefer stamps. I love inking up the stamp and the feeling that I am creating the card. I’ve collected beautiful inks over the years, and love the look of a great stamped image.

Do you have a favorite theme?

Holiday cards of all types have always been a favorite, I love sending my creations to family and friends. I have always loved beautiful floral designs, but have really learned to branch out since I starting making cards for OWH. I now make a lot more masculine cards, and love making cards with a patriotic theme or colors.

Are there colors you love to include on your cards?

I would have to say that shades of blue end up in a lot of my cards, and the decorative paper I buy. I’m also a big fan of neutrals and use craft, browns and blacks for my cards. I am trying to use more bright colors, especially with OWH cards.

How did you hear about Operation Write Home?

I’ve participated in a Stampin Up group workshop for years, and for several years we provided Christmas Cards to OWH. After asking the ladies about the organization we were making cards for, I researched Operation Write Home and knew I wanted to make cards for the troops and their families.

What motivates you to make cards for our heroes?

My husband and I have always supported our military men and women, and are so grateful for all they and their families sacrifice. My father was a WWII veteran and after he passed away a few years ago I knew that providing cards for Operation Write Home would be a wonderful way to honor his memory. I am so honored to use my hobby to help military families stay connected.

]]>34Kristiehttp://operationwritehome.org/?p=201212015-07-02T21:54:53Z2015-07-04T12:00:51ZWelcome to the final Our Daily Bread Designs card challenge for Operation Write Home. The Miss You cards for June’s challenge were wonderful. I know our heroes will enjoy selecting the perfect card to send home to a loved one. We also made the 50 card goal! That means ODBD will be sponsoring the shipping cost of two boxes of cards. There are two new winners of the $15 ODBD stamp gift certificates.

#8 Carolynn

#50 Angie Gittles

The winners are chosen using Random.org. Please email me at eponinekc(at)msn(dot)com to claim your prize. Thank you ODBD for your continued support to our service members!

The challenge for July is to make a Thank You card. This can either be a thank you card for our heroes to mail home, or an Any Hero card with a message of gratitude written inside. As so many of our service members are packing up to head home, there are many that want to say thanks to all the supporters. If you’re currently working on your final box of OWH cards, it’d be perfect to add in a few more thank you cards. Remember, all cards need to be at OWH headquarters by August 1st. Here’s some inspiration from Lori on the ODBD Design team.

Every month for the past several years, OWHers have made the goal of 50 cards for this challenge. Let’s not make the final month any different. Be sure to link up one card below by the end of the month to be included in the drawing for two $15 gift certificates from our great sponsor Our Daily Bread Designs. Let’s make sure to Finish Strong! (Only one entry per person, please.)